“She works with Stephen a lot and they’re close, just as he’s close with Ant and Dec. But because of the set-up at the studios it would be impossible for Lisa and Ant to avoid spending lots of time in the same room.

“Ant would never have asked for her to leave but in the circumstances the production team just felt it could be difficult so felt they couldn’t invite her back on.

“It’s a very sensitive situation and show bosses didn’t want to inflame it.”